Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail .45 ACP Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Bobtail reduces grip profile by 0.25 inches compared to standard 1911 frames
- Tritium night sights visible for 12+ years without battery replacement
- Match-grade barrel delivers 2-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition
- Stainless steel construction withstands 5000+ rounds without significant wear
Trade-offs
- Single 8-round magazine included - additional Wilson Combat mags cost $45 each
- No accessory rail limits weapon light attachment options
- 36.5-ounce weight is 25% heavier than polymer competitors like Glock 30
- Premium price requires $200+ in gunsmithing to achieve similar fit on base models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail is a stainless steel commander-size 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, designed specifically for concealed carry with a bobbed mainspring housing and Tritium night sights. This pistol represents the intersection of traditional 1911 craftsmanship and modern carry-focused refinements, built with the precision that Dan Wesson is known for in the competitive 1911 market. The brushed flats and bead-blasted rounds finish provides both corrosion resistance and reduced glare, making it suitable for both range use and daily carry applications.
What is the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail used for?
This pistol is engineered primarily for concealed carry, with its bobtail mainspring housing reducing print and snag during draw. The 36.5-ounce weight provides manageable recoil while remaining concealable, and the Tritium night sights ensure low-light visibility. Compared to duty-sized 1911s, it sacrifices minimal sight radius for significantly improved concealment.
How does the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Dan Wesson serves an entirely different purpose than the Stevens 334 .308 Win, with the 1911 being a close-quarters defensive pistol while the Stevens is a hunting/long-range platform. The Dan Wesson's 8-round capacity and 4.25-inch barrel contrast sharply with the Stevens' bolt-action operation and 20-inch barrel, making the Dan Wesson better for personal defense but completely unsuitable for the hunting applications where the Stevens excels.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 36.5 ounces (1035 grams) with an overall length of 7.75 inches and height of 5.25 inches. The commander-length 4.25-inch barrel provides a good balance between sight radius and concealability, while the bobtail reduces the grip profile by approximately 0.25 inches compared to standard 1911 frames. These dimensions make it approximately 15% more compact than government models while maintaining shootability.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for beginners seeking their first firearm or shooters on a tight budget. The $2199 price point places it firmly in the premium category, and the single-action-only operation requires more training than striker-fired alternatives. Those needing higher capacity should consider modern polymer-frame pistols, as the 8-round magazine capacity is limiting compared to contemporary options.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol, one 8-round stainless steel magazine, and the standard Dan Wesson hard case with documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include additional magazines or cleaning kits, though the Cocobolo wood grips are pre-installed. The entire package weighs approximately 4.5 pounds when shipped, with dimensions of 12x9x3 inches for the case.
Is the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail worth it at $2199?
At $2199, this pistol represents significant value for experienced shooters who appreciate hand-fitted 1911s with carry-specific modifications. The Ed Brown components and match-grade barrel alone would cost over $300 to add to a base model, making the premium justified for those seeking a no-compromise carry 1911. However, budget-conscious shooters would be better served by more affordable options like the Stevens 555 Sporting series for different applications.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703019123 |
| manufacturer | Dan Wesson |
| manufacturer part number | 01912 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13.3500 |
| model | Commander Classic |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.9 |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Manual Thumb/Grip |
| shipping weight | 3.5 |
| sights | Night Sights |
| sights type | Night Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts standard Government model 1911 .45 ACP magazines, though the bobtail mainspring housing may interfere with some aftermarket base plates. We recommend Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazines for reliable performance. The included magazine has an 8-round capacity with a flush-fit base.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Most commander-length 1911 holsters will accommodate this pistol, but the bobtail requires specific molding to prevent gap. We've had success with Galco Royal Guard and Milt Sparks Versa Max II models. The reduced grip profile actually improves concealment in properly fitted leather.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days depending on destination. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. We provide tracking information within 24 hours of shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once the 4473 is processed, but we offer a 30-day warranty on mechanical defects. We recommend handling similar 1911s at local dealers before purchase. The grip circumference measures 5.25 inches around the frontstrap to backstrap.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- The Novak-style dovetail will accept standard height replacements, but suppressor-height sights would require milling. The factory Tritium sights have a 0.125-inch front blade height, which clears most standard holsters. Dawson Precision offers direct replacements if needed.